Signal Station Brasserie: Simply Beautiful

It’s marvelous what you can see when you open your eyes, and see the beauty around you. Open our eyes we did, and found on our doorstep and only minutes from Hobart, a room with a view. The Signal Station Brasserie is surrounded by a beautiful natural bushland setting, with the most spectacular views of Hobart and beyond, all the way down the D’Entrecastreaux Channel, across to Port Arthur and up the Derwent River to Cadburys.

The day gave us a mystical view: clearing mist with the sun peaking through; reflections back to us from the Derwent River. Not a breath of wind, with only the sounds of native birds: Blue Wrens, Scarlet and Red Robins, Honeyeaters and Currawongs. Simply majestic!

History and Art: Signal Station Cafe

It’s such a beautiful building! Originally housing the signal man and his family, the Signal Station was built in 1811 to report shipping activity to Port Arthur, then later on to Hobart as well. Over the years the building has had many transformations, but has always retained its beauty and personality. Current owner Ing, has transformed the café with a wow factor. When you walk into the Signal Station Brasserie, you are greeted with stunning open rooms. They are crisp and fresh with beautiful unique furniture and one-off pieces that reflect Ing’s passion for retro things.

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Signal Station Brasserie: stunning art and furniture

On the walls are stunning works of art, by local artists such as Amanda Van Steenis, Julia Bradshaw and Mell Hills. “I really enjoy supporting Tasmanian artists, the feedback has been really positive” says Ing, who shows such pride in all the artwork.

The food on offer is inspiring. After talking with chef Jon, who has trained in Europe, I can see his passion and the enjoyment he gets from coming to work each day; working in a place with stunning views and such wonderful Tasmanian produce. Both Jon and Simone (his apprentice, who has written a wonderful book called Tasmanian Menu) have created a menu that is in touch with the surroundings. How does a pot pie of steak and kidney sound? Or maybe a porterhouse steak sandwich with onion marmalade, fresh beetroot, garlic aioli and rocket served with vegetable crisps? Sitting down on a crisp autumn day enjoying the stunning views, good company, and good quality (very reasonably priced) food. Ideal I’d say.

Chef Jon also creates the most divine cakes each day. Like chocolate quince and pear tarts; or walnut, apple and olive oil cake with honey butter and cream. Plus of course an array of hot drinks including tea from The Art of Tea, good Tasmanian wines and Moo Brew Beer. Jon also creates lovely preserves and condiments, something else to look out for.

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Preserving: Signal Station Cafe, Mount Nelson

Live Music: Sunday Afternoons

On Sunday afternoons the Signal Station Brasserie offers live music. It’s the perfect atmosphere to host live music; you can sit outside to take in the views and sip on a selection of wines. Or perhaps enjoy the music and the views from behind the panoramic windows. Even the toilet has a view!

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Sunday afternoon sessions of live music

The brasserie can also cater for functions, weddings, corporate events, birthdays etc. And what beautiful photos you’ll be able to take, with such a setting! Onsite parking (no fighting with traffic), accessible for wheelchairs, a lovely host and staff in the kitchen… you will be guaranteed a spectacular event.

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Signal Station Brasserie: function venue

Walk in the Park

There are many walking tracks close by, including the Truganini Reserve walk and Bicentennial Park walk. Why not enjoy a walk and end with a stop at the Brasserie? I know my family will certainly be enjoying more visits to the Signal Station Brasserie, and I would encourage others to also pop along. It’s just a stone’s throw away from Hobart and offers so many other sights without even leaving your chair.

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Mount Nelson Signal Station Cafe

The cafe is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10.00am to 4.00pm. Signal Station Brasserie update their live music schedule on their Facebook page.

Comments relevant to this article are always most welcome, just leave a reply below. But first… please confirm the date of this article. Have you found something current, or is this ancient information? Either way, thanks for your company and come back again soon.

7 Comments

The Signal Station Brasserie was one of the very first places we chose to visit when we came to Tasmania. We were house-sitting at Geeveston and contemplating a permanent move here, and we were completely blown away by the magnificent views from Mount Nelson. I think the setting may just have clinched the deal on the sea-change!! We’ve taken several interstate visitors up there for a coffee to share the experience. And now we’ve just been reminded to go back again. Soon! Thanks Jen.

Tania, a pleasure, such a beautiful, natural setting for a meal.. and just on our doorstep…how lucky are we in Tasmania to have such wonderful places to visit…So glad you are able to share the Signal Station Brassiere with your friends and all who follow Think Tasmania 🙂

Hello, thanks for this article as I am looking for places to play music with my colleague (harp duo) so this information helped a lot.
One thing, it’s a brasserie, not a brassiere…um, maybe update the article please.
Thanks for that.
Helen

Thanks so much for your request to update the article, Helen. Completely my fault that one, and I have now edited to make the spelling the same every time (and correct, as it should be). All the best with your music, I’m glad the article has helped you.
Kind Regards, Tania

Very nicely done presentation of this premier Tassie site. We’ve enjoyed our visits and meals. Can I suggest you alter the heading above the map – we don’t want people getting confused when they arrive. The Rivulet Cafe is a few kilometres away!